By CHARLES CHIJIOKE
Labour rights and economic justice took centre stage on Thursday as former presidential candidate Peter Obi marked International Workers’ Day with a message highlighting the struggles of Nigerian workers and their potential political influence.
In a statement shared via his official social media channels, Obi paid tribute to workers globally, with particular emphasis on Nigerians, describing them as the foundation of national stability and growth despite worsening economic conditions.
“On this Workers’ Day, I warmly salute workers across the world, especially Nigerian workers whose daily sacrifices continue to sustain our families, communities, institutions, and national economy, even in the face of severe hardship and uncertainty,” he said.
The former Anambra governor lamented that many workers remain underpaid and undervalued, noting that current wages no longer meet basic living standards amid inflationary pressures and rising costs of essential goods and services.
“It is deeply painful that those who wake up every day to teach, heal, build, farm, produce, transport, protect, and serve our nation are still denied the dignity and fair reward their labour deserves,” Obi stated.
He added that “in today’s Nigeria, the minimum wage can no longer guarantee even the most modest standard of living, as inflation, rising food prices, transportation costs, and economic hardship continue to erode the value of honest work.”
Obi stressed that national development is closely tied to the welfare and productivity of workers, warning that neglecting the workforce could undermine broader economic progress. “No nation can truly develop beyond the strength, productivity, and wellbeing of its workforce.
The progress of any society rests on the quality of its human capital, the skill of its people, and the commitment of its workers. When workers suffer, the nation suffers. When workers are empowered, the nation prospers,” he said.
Beyond economic concerns, Obi called attention to workers’ political power, urging them to actively shape governance through civic participation.
“But beyond their labour, workers also possess another powerful tool, their voice and their vote. Through democratic participation, they have the power to shape governance and determine the future direction of the nation,” he said.
He urged Nigerian workers to unite in demanding accountable leadership, adding that their collective action could steer the country toward better governance outcomes.
“I therefore urge Nigerian workers to recognise the strength they hold collectively. They owe it to themselves, their children, and future generations to support and demand leadership built on competence, character, capacity, credibility, and compassion,” Obi said.
“By refusing to reward failure, corruption, ethnic division, and bad governance, they can help build a nation where hard work is respected and rewarded with dignity.”
He concluded by reiterating his vision for national renewal, stating: “A productive nation must be built on justice, fairness, and respect for labour. That is the Nigeria we must work together to achieve. With the support and participation of Nigerian workers, a New Nigeria is POssible.”
Obi’s remarks come at a time of mounting economic strain in Nigeria, with organised labour groups repeatedly raising concerns over wage adequacy and cost-of-living pressures.
His comments are likely to resonate within labour circles and could further shape political discourse ahead of future elections, particularly around workers’ welfare, governance standards, and accountability.
